Allopurinol

What Is Allopurinol?

Allopurinol was discovered in the early 1950s by Dr Gertrude Elion and Dr George Hitchings, and their pioneering work on this and other medications that work on improving the metabolism eventually earned them a Nobel Prize.

Fast forward to today, and Allopurinol is an invaluable treatment for gout that many thousands of people use to great effect every day.

What Is Allopurinol Used For?

Allopurinol, known under the brand name of Allopurinol BP 100mg, is usually used to relieve the symptoms of gout, which is a form of arthritis that’s caused by the crystallisation of uric acid in the joints.

How Does Allopurinol Work?

Allopurinol works so well against gout because it prevents the formation of uric acid, which is the compound responsible for the painful gout attacks. Allopurinol blocks the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which plays an important role in uric acid production, and this means that uric acid crystals can’t accumulate in the joints.

How Does Allopurinol Treat Gout?

Allopurinol doesn’t just stop the symptoms of gout, but it also reduces the likelihood of recurring attacks. By reducing the uric acid levels in the body, inflammation in the joints subsides, which leads to reduced pain and swelling.

Plus, allopurinol works as a prophylactic, preventing the formation of new uric acid crystals and minimising the risk of future gout flare-ups.

How Long Does Allopurinol Take To Work?

When taking Allopurinol, patience is important as it can take a number of weeks or even months to fully work.

The timeframe will vary from person to person because of a range of different factors including how severe the gout is, the patient’s overall health, and how they adhere to their prescriptions. Although improvement might be gradual, for those suffering from the pain of gout, the wait is certainly worth it when relief comes.

Allopurinol Dosage Directions?

When it comes to Allopurinol, it’s crucial to remember that one size (of dosage) doesn’t fit all, and the recommended dosage will depend on the severity of the condition, with Allopurinol 100mg being a good starting point.

Regular monitoring by healthcare professionals is crucial, as dosages might need to be adjusted over time – it will often depend on individual responses and any potential side effects.

Overdosing can have serious consequences, so making sure you stick to the doctor’s recommended dosage is vital.

How To Take Allopurinol

The way to take Allopurinol for adults in tablet form are the most common, and these pills should ideally be taken with food. Timing isn’t strict, but consistency is absolutely vital.

It’s also crucial to avoid alcohol – which can actually make gout worse – and certain medications can interact negatively with Allopurinol, so speaking to your doctor first is necessary.

Who Should Not Take Allopurinol?

If you are of Han Chinese, African or Indian origin, it’s vital to get further advice about taking Allopurinol, as it might not be effective for you.

Plus, people with specific medical conditions, like severe liver disease, may need to avoid Allopurinol and, again, speaking to your doctor to find out is important.

It's vital not to self-medicate even if you’re sure that Allopurinol will help you. There are important factors to take into account, meaning that a doctor’s care is necessary.

If you feel that Allopurinol might be a useful medication to help you deal with the symptoms of gout, it’s important to make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your options. They will be able to tailor a treatment plan that works for you, depending on your specific needs.

At PrescriptionDoctor, we can be your help against gout. Our expert consultation services, support, and convenient delivery services guarantee you’ll always have precisely what you need when it comes to medication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Allopurinol